Friday, August 7, 2009

TYPES OF PSYCHOLOGY


Human behavior has intrigued psychologists for years. The phenomena of perception, personality, cognition, behavior, reaction and emotion not only display immense diversity of the mental faculty, but also affect our relationships. The study involves analysis of the processes within the conscious and unconscious mind. Psychology is applied to every aspect of activity. Our reactions to everyday issues at home or work reflect the health of the 'mind'.
Psychology is applied to every aspect of activity. Our reactions to everyday issues at ho Psychology depends on the natural sciences for research. The branches of psychology include the following faculties:
Clinical Psychology:
In this type of psychology, the study is aimed at relieving stress or dysfunction that is triggered due to various psychological reasons. This results in personal development and emotional and physical well-being. Psychologists pursuing this stream of research study the depths of forensic testimony and clinical neuropsychology. The professionals use specially designed and adapted therapy models to generate therapeutic alliance. The subsequent exploration of psychological problems helps to identify and apply new thought and behavior modes.
Abnormal Psychology:
As the name suggests, this branch of psychology studies abnormal behavior. The aim is to understand the shift in nature and abnormal interactive patterns adopted by an individual. It uses psychopathology and clinical psychology to research on the causes behind psychological disorders. This branch of psychology studies maladaptive features of the condition, in the presence of disability, stress and/or dysfunction.
Cognitive Psychology:
This type of psychology studies the mental processes that dictate behavioral traits. It experiments with learning, perception, memory and attention, to apply information processing to mental reasoning and normal functions. It is for this reason that it is also called experimental psychology. Cognitive psychology is the result of input from various neurobiologists, logicians and linguists, who emphasize not only on theory, but also formalization.
Comparative Psychology:
In this type of psychology, the behavior patterns of animals are studied. This branch of science is vital to psychological research. It provides comparisons to ascertain traits and prove evolutionary links. Studying animal behavior also enables the psychologists to gain a better understanding of human psychology. Animal models are experimented with to study emotion and behavior. me or work reflect the health of the 'mind'.

Developmental Psychology:
This science mainly focuses on the development of the human mind. All the endeavors are directed towards a better understanding of perception and change. Intellectual, as well as moral development is targeted at the end of every session. Research involves a closer look at behavior triggers present in natural settings and physical change.
Educational psychology:
This branch of psychology studies educational setting and interventions. Psychologists experiment with the dimensions of teaching and social psychology applied within schools and colleges. Educational psychology influences teaching methods and general practices in and around the campus.
Biological psychology:
Biological psychology studies the mental frame as a biological substrate. This branch of psychology investigates behavior that springs from reactions within the nervous system. Most of the research is conducted via experiments with behavioral and cognitive neuroscience. The aim is to understand the function of the brain with regards to different psychological triggers and processes. Biological psychology links human behavior with the brain to study the areas within the brain connected with certain reactions.


Evolutionary Psychology:
Study of genetic implications within mental patterns and behavior.

Health Psychology:
Study of psychological impact on mental and physical health.

Legal Psychology:
Study of reasoning behind jury decisions, evidence and eyewitness testimonies.

Personality Psychology:
Study of personality traits such as behavior and emotion.

Forensic Psychology:
Study of clinical evaluations pertaining to courtroom testimony.

Quantitative Psychology:
Study of statistical models for psychological measurement of personality traits.

Social Psychology:
Study of the mental processes behind specific reactions to social stimulants.

Global Psychology:
Study of issues related to global concerns on sustainability.

MEANING:

The word "psychology" is the combination of two terms - study (ology) and soul (psyche), or mind. The derivation of the word from Latin gives it this clear and obvious meaning: Psychology (Greek: Ψυχολογία, lit. "study of the mind", from ψυχή psukhē "breath, spirit, soul"; and -λογία, -logia "study of"[1]) is an academic and applied discipline involving the systematic, and often scientific, study of human/animal mental functions and behavior.


Occasionally, in addition or opposition to employing the scientific method, it also relies on symbolic interpretation and critical analysis, although it often does so less prominently than other social sciences such as sociology. Psychologists study such phenomena as perception, cognition, attention, emotion, motivation, personality, behavior and interpersonal relationships. Some, especially depth psychologists, also study the unconscious mind.


Psychological knowledge is applied to various spheres of human activity, including social behavior, while also exploring the underlying physiological and neurological processes. Psychology includes many sub-fields of study and applications concerned with such areas as human development, sports, health, industry, media and law. Psychology incorporates research from the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities. A professional theorist or practitioner of psychology is called a psychologist.


"Psyche" is defined as:
1. The spirit or soul.
2. The human mind.
3. In psychoanalysis, the mind functioning as the center of thought, emotion, and behaviour.

And defining "soul", we have:
1. the spiritual or immortal elements in a person.
2. a person's mental or moral or emotional nature.